Located in the cosmopolitan Dubai Marina area, the 3,037 square-meter hotel site sits next to Dubai Marina Mall and within walking distance of the picturesque pedestrian promenade which borders the waterway lined with vibrant cafes and restaurants. The property will also be in close proximity to the business hub made up of Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City and Knowledge Village. In line with all Crowne Plaza properties, the 280-room Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina will offer a plethora of meeting and event facilities ideal for the business traveller, including three large-sized meeting rooms, a boardroom and a ballroom. As well as a spa and health club, guests will also be able to enjoy three restaurants, two of which will be specialty and one all day dining, a lobby lounge and bar. Pascal Gauvin, Chief Operating Officer, India, Middle East and Africa for IHG, said: “As a brand that focuses on the needs of both the business and leisure traveller, the up and coming Dubai Marina area is a fantastic urban location for this project. We are delighted to partner with TAJ RP International Limited on this exciting new development and to continue to grow the Crowne Plaza brand in Dubai, and the wider United Arab Emirates.” “The project is particularly exciting as TAJ RP International is focused on expansion within the hospitality sector and we view IHG as the perfect partner to complement this growth, '' said Dr. Ravi Pillai, Chairman, RP Group of Companies. “We have a growing presence in a number of vital segments including the hospitality industry in more than seven countries and 15 cities and are pleased to make an entry into Dubai Marina, one of the city's most energetic business hubs.” The new development marks the entry of the fourth Crowne Plaza hotel into Dubai and the ninth Crowne Plaza hotel into the UAE, without taking into account the UAE's first Crowne Plaza Resort scheduled to open in Ras Al Khaimah in 2015. There are 65 Crowne Plaza hotels across Asia, Middle East and Africa with an additional 19 in the development pipeline. — SG
